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Authorities Nab Suspected Serial Arsonist. They Think She Torched More Than Fresno
Edward Smith updated website photo 2024
By Edward Smith
Published 8 months ago on
July 16, 2024

The California Highway Patrol arrested 32-year-old Ramona Sigala Leal, whom Fresno Fire Department suspects of serial arson. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)

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The suspected arsonist believed to have left notes at the scenes of fires was arrested on July 8, the Fresno Fire Department said in a news release.

Law enforcement approached 32-year-old Ramona Sigala Leal for suspected petty theft when they found out she had an active Ramey warrant for arson. A Ramey warrant is one issued by a judge rather than a prosecutor.

The California Highway Patrol arrested her and booked her into Fresno County Jail. Leal’s bail is set for $500,000.

32-year-old Ramona Sigala Leal. (Fresno Fire Department)

Leal Traveled Back and Forth From Fresno to Southern California

The Fresno Fire Department’s investigation unit first identified Leal as the suspect behind several fires throughout Fresno in mid-June. The arsonist doused homes in gasoline and left notes before setting them ablaze.

Originally from Southern California, Leal is believed to have been traveling back and forth between there and Fresno. Authorities in Southern California also believe she is responsible for a fire there on June 29.

Because of the amount of time Leal had been traveling, the Fresno Fire Department is seeking information about fires potentially connected to Leal.

Crime Stoppers can be reached at (559) 498-STOP (7867), and callers can remain anonymous. The Fresno Fire Department’s arson unit can be reached at (559) 621-ARSN (2767).

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Edward Smith,
Multimedia Journalist
Edward Smith began reporting for GV Wire in May 2023. His reporting career began at Fresno City College, graduating with an associate degree in journalism. After leaving school he spent the next six years with The Business Journal, doing research for the publication as well as covering the restaurant industry. Soon after, he took on real estate and agriculture beats, winning multiple awards at the local, state and national level. You can contact Edward at 559-440-8372 or at Edward.Smith@gvwire.com.

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